| 萨克森 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 政府类型 | Absolute monarchy |
| 执政党 | Konservative Partei (conservative) |
| 首都 | Dresden |
| 人口 | 344.75 thousand |
| 主体民族 | North German |
| 被接受民族 | South German |
| 识字率 | 80 % |
| 国家价值观 | Order |
| 科研学派 | Traditional academia |
| 地位 | Civilized Nation |
Saxony is a small European civilized nation, located between the two German powerhouses of 
Prussia and 
Austria. Having been formed into a kingdom during the Napoleonic Wars, Saxony is in Austria's sphere of influence at the start of the game, so it is very likely that there is a lot of diplomatic wrangling over its alignment. The way out of this is to become a Great Power, but being inland, expansion is difficult, although not impossible. Given its high literacy rate and opportunity for industrializing, turning Saxony into a Great Power can be done relatively quickly, but its important role and location in German politics will force it keep the balance between Austria and Prussia.
It is the only nation (except 
Hannover and 
Holstein, which will be sphered very quickly by Prussia) that prevents Prussia from forming 
North German Federation. That is why Prussia is very interested in influencing Saxony, though Austria usually holds on to Saxony to try to prevent a unified Germany from being formed.
Becoming a Great Power
Industrialization and economy
As far as the minor German states go, Saxony is in a good position to eventually become a great power. It is rich in 
coal and 
iron, allowing one to quickly establish an industrial base by constructing 
cement and 
glass factories, in addition to the typical ones such as a 
liquor distillery and a 
winery. The economy will be unstable in the first few years, so taking out several loans to expand your industry will be necessary, along with imposing 10–20% tariffs. The country starts off with a high literacy rate of 80%, and since it is initially a one-state minor the player should not have much trouble raising the number of clergymen with national focus. Researching prestige and industry techs early on is encouraged to improve Saxony's status, which is not difficult to do. Saxony can easily become at least a secondary power by 1840. Population growth should not be a problem as long as you manage to industrialize the country and not cause too many economic problems.
The main challenge would be competition from other German states like 
Bavaria, which puts Saxony at a disadvantage due to its much smaller military and population, leaving the player to rely entirely on industry and prestige.
Getting big
To become a great power, Saxony will have to conquer another country, as a one-state minor cannot become a great power. One method is as follows: at one point or another in the game Austria or Prussia will start a war for hegemony. When it does, Saxony can take a province if the nation, which has Saxony in its sphere wins the war. However, that usually does not occur until the 1860s, and by them Prussia often will annex you. Therefore, another option is to form an alliance with Bavaria, 
Tuscany, and 
Modena, other countries in Austria's sphere. Secure military access from Austria, which should be easy since you are in his sphere at the beginning, then declare war on 
Sardinia-Piedmont. Acquire one region from them with Bavarian and minor Italian assistance. An additional option, perhaps an easier route, is annexing 
Montenegro, which is a much weaker target than Sardinia, although this will drive up your infamy.